By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Goodbye 2024. In Southport it was the year of the worst unimaginable tragedy – and also the year of incredible kindness, compassion, community strength and togetherness.
It has been the worst of times followed by a real sense of everyone locally, nationally and even some others across the world showing support, solidarity and that they wanted to do something positive in the wake of tragedy.
Thousands of families hugged each other at the vigil in the Town Hall Gardens in July.
Thousands came and left flowers, teddies and tributes. Volunteers tended them for weeks.
All our condolences, our thoughts, our love go to the families and everyone injured or affected by the tragedy.
We have seen so many acts of random kindness, both big and small; some seen, many unseen.
We’d love to hear about who you should be honoured when we hold the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport on 25th April 2025. Nominate here: https://bit.ly/3uPCvlM
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group will donate all money raised on the night to the families.
The Southport Strong Together Appeal, launched by the Merseyside Community Foundation, has raised over £340,000 for those affected by the tragedy and the local community. The appeal remains open. Donate here: https://bit.ly/40gLRnB
Southport Hesketh Round Table raised an amazing £70,000+ for the families. They have been relentless in their support.
We have seen so many family events and fundraisers; a 24 hour football match at Dunes; a Community Day at Southport Football Club; a Southport Together day at Southport Pleasureland: bubbles in the Town Hall Gardens; a 6 hour PWR Thon at PWR Box Studio; so many more. People have been so generous.
When the riots happened, huge numbers of people turned up and repaired damage caused and raised funds to pay for repairs. We are one community.
Southport is the kindest town in Britain.
We need that kindness, that togetherness, that empathy to continue.
The trial following the tragedy takes place in 2025. More traumatic times lie ahead.
All our support must remain with the families and all impacted; our local schools; everyone in Southport will be affected in some way.
Our New Year resolution for 2025 is to show the world we remain Southport Together
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
